It's a common view in FM these days: we're on the brink of fundamental, widespread change in what we do and how we do it. The driver is clear: rapidly developing technology. But is this really the case?

'Brand' is one of those ideas that can seem a bit too trendy for their own good. Of course this particular concept means something in the fast-paced and increasingly global commercial world; but what's it got to do with real life?

The Public Service Act (Social Value) 2012 puts social value at the heart of commissioning, ensuring that authorities consider the wider economic and environmental benefit that they can achieve when buying goods and services. The Act became law in 2013.

Predicting change is a mug's game, especially these days when some of the old 'rules' seem particularly unreliable. But it does feel like the times might be ripe for some kind of tipping point in UK facilities management.

One of the big challenges for every FM service provider these days is sorting out its strategy for the future: how does it see its markets developing? how does it want to be perceived? what sort of clients does it want? what's the right service offer?

Naming, and the related branding, forms part of the bedrock of marketing strategy. There’s a lot of science to both and a huge amount of material on good and bad experiences. But in the end, you make your decision, unveil your work and pray for the best.

The future is equal parts exciting and terrifying. New technologies are opening up a world of possibilities; but they are also raising real-world concerns, like who will use, manage and ultimately own the abundance of new data that is produced.